8 Foods To Fight Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. This illness progress slowly and often takes years to surface. It spreads by contact with an infected person’s blood. Eating and avoiding certain foods can reduce inflammation and help repair some liver damage. If left untreated the inflammation can lead to chronic hepatitis C. Although hepatitis C is a serious illness, most people can fight and manage the condition and lead an active life with proper diet and medication. Here are some specific foods to reduce inflammation, repair damage and boost liver function by reducing the damage it causes to the liver.

8 Foods To Fight Hepatitis C

Cold Water Fish

Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardine, tuna and herring are prime sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They contain DHA and EPA, which lower inflammation. Eating small portions like 2-4 ounces will help you to get healthy fat and protein. Avoid eating canned fish which is often high in sodium.

Garlic

Garlic is high in several sulfur-containing compounds that activate liver enzymes that help the body flush out toxins. The two natural compounds allicin and selenium contained in garlic act to repair and protect the liver from toxic damage and enhances the process of liver cleansing.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, dandelion green, mustard green, bitter guard and arugula are rich in various cleansing compounds and enzymes that help to break down toxins, neutralize heavy metals, eliminate pesticides and increase the production and flow id cleansing bile. The reduction of toxins can give the liver a break from the cycle of chronic inflammation.

Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with potent antioxidant catechins, known to eliminate the accumulation of liver fat and promote healthy liver function. A recent study has found that the flavonoid in green tea contains a potent anti-inflammatory compound that restrains the hepatitis C virus from entering the liver cells.

Tart Cherries

Research has shown that tart cherries are highly beneficial for hepatitis C as they contain the highest concentration of anti-inflammatory compounds than any other food. They reduce inflammation because they are rich in two types of anthocyanin which power them to fight inflammation. They can be taken in the form of juice or eaten as a whole.

Whole Grain

Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. They are also high in fiber and keep satisfied for longer. They help to reduce oxidative stress on your liver. Some nutritious and carbohydrate-rich whole grain foods to include in your diet to boost liver function are oatmeal, quinoa, bulgur, brown rice, flax, rye and whole wheat pasta.

Turmeric

This yellow spice widely used in Indian cooking to add colour has been found to possess a unique ability to fight the hepatitis C virus. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and blocks the protein that triggers inflammation. Supplementing with turmeric can help to protect the liver cells from getting infected with the hepatitis C virus.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols that can protect the hepatic tissue from oxidative stress and inhibit inflammation that damages the liver. Use olive oil in salad dressing for cooking foods to protect your liver.

For those who are infected with the Hepatitis C virus, their liver could get damaged due to sustained inflammation. It is better to eat foods that have anti-inflammatory properties to interrupt inflammation that damages the liver. Cutting on saturated fat and sugar will also help to reduce the harm caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Author: Abhista